2025 AFC South Preview: Houston Texans Football

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Texans enter the 2025 NFL season with renewed hope and heavier weapons. Quarterback C.J. Stroud steps into his third year as the clear centerpiece. After a promising rookie campaign and a sophomore year that saw growing pains, the young signal-caller returns to a much-improved offense—and on a mission.

Last year, the offense sputtered at times despite Stroud’s flashes, but that’s about to change. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley, fresh off tight-end coaching stints with the Patriots and Rams and two Super Bowl rings, takes over scheming duties. In training camp, Caley immediately began building rapport with Stroud, establishing trust and clarity in the offense.

Offensive Upgrade: New Hands, New Scheme

The Texans didn’t just bring in a new play-caller—they bulked up the skill positions. In free agency, they signed four-time Pro Bowl RB Nick Chubb, adding power and experience behind a revamped offensive line. And while Joe Mixon remains, Chubb’s presence offers insurance and versatility in Caley’s early-down driven system.

Meanwhile, the wide receiver corps received a makeover. Rookies Jayden Higgins (second round) and Jaylin Noel (third round), both from Iowa State, bring smooth route running, size, and special-teams pedigree. Christian Kirk and Justin Watson join a room that already includes the explosive Nico Collins and dependable Xavier Hutchinson.

On the line, rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery is transforming the protection mindset, offering physical, smash-mouth consistency at a position that struggled last year.

Defense: Star Power and Stability

On the defensive side, the Texans boast one of the league’s more exciting units. Anchored by young stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter on the line, and a secondary featuring Jalen Pitre’s versatility, the defense remains a stable foundation under DeMeco Ryans’ leadership.

Expectations and Projections

A mostly favorable schedule and offensive overhaul fuel realistic optimism. The Texans face the 14th-easiest slate according to strength-of-schedule metrics. Analysts project an 11-5 or 11-6 season, with hopes of repeating as AFC South champs. Betting markets similarly peg their over/under at around 9.5 wins.

Still, concerns linger. The reshuffled offensive line remains a vulnerability—if it struggles, Stroud could once again face heavy pressure. And with a challenging slate that includes matchups with Baltimore, Buffalo, and Kansas City, any offensive inconsistency could prove costly.

2025 Texans Schedule at a Glance

The NFL has revealed the Texans’ full schedule, including prime-time and division-heavy matchups: